Five well-paid jobs that don’t require a degree
With one in five graduates unable to find work and rising student debts, it's good to know there are positions out there that don't require a university education. Here are five well-paid jobs you don't need a degree for.
**1. ****Personal assistant ¶
**](http://msn.careerbuilder.co.uk/jobs/keyword/PA/)It may not sound very glamorous, but first-class personal assistants can earn big money. PAs usually work for one manager, providing secretarial and administrative support to help organise their workload and make the best use of their time.
To land a well-paying role, you will need to have proven administration experience - which includes being computer literate, able to use a variety of office computer software packages and in some cases having shorthand or audio-typing skills. You will also need to be professional, clam under pressure and good at multi-tasking - as well as tactful and discrete.
Average salary: Starting salaries are around £18,000 to £25,000. Those working in larger organisation can earn £30,000 to £40,000.
**2. **Plumber](http://msn.careerbuilder.co.uk/jobs/keyword/plumber/)
If you prefer a practical job, are good at following technical drawings and plans and have a methodical, problem-solving approach to your work, a job as a plumber could be for you.
Plumbers fit, service and repair water supplies, sanitation and waste disposal systems as well as gas and oil-fired central heating systems, boilers and radiators, in homes and businesses. You will need qualifications to become one - City & Guilds or EAL Level 2 and 3 NVQ/SVQ in plumbing. Many study for these on a part-time or day-release basis and for those aged 16-24, apprenticeships may be available.
Average salary: Newly qualified plumbers earn £16,500 to £21,000. Experienced plumbers can earn £21,000 to £35,000. Those working in London and the South East enjoy higher salaries, while self-employed plumbers can make £40,000 upwards.
**3. ****Insurance broker
**](http://msn.careerbuilder.co.uk/jobs/keyword/insurance+broker/)Insurance brokers or agents use their knowledge of the insurance market to give individuals and businesses impartial advice on the policies most suitable for them.
Most brokers start out as insurance technicians, junior account handlers or trainee brokers, and work their way up to insurance broker with experience and industry qualifications. To follow this route, companies generally ask for GCSEs (A-C), including English and maths and good IT skills. To join a management training scheme, you may need A-levels or equivalent. You may also be able to do an Apprenticeship in Providing Financial Services.
Average salary: Trainee and junior brokers earn around £15,000 to £23,000 and may include performance related commission and bonuses. Once qualified and with some experience you can expect to earn £23,000 to £38,000. Senior brokers and account directors working on complex, higher value risks can earn £38,000 to £70,000 or more.
**4. ****Training manager
**](http://msn.careerbuilder.co.uk/jobs/keyword/training+manager/)If you are highly organised and have great communication, presentation and IT skills, you might want to consider a job as a training manager. Opportunities exist in banks, local authorities, the health service and the retail and manufacturing industries.
Tasks can include consulting with managers to identify training needs, sourcing and working with external providers, producing training materials and in smaller companies, delivering it. While some working in the role have a degree, many start out as training officers or work in the company’s HR department and study part-time for the Certificate in Personnel Practice (CPP) offered by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
Average salary: Training managers earn around £19,000 to £40,000. Senior managers and directors working in large organisation can earn £50,000 plus. Experienced training managers working on a freelance basis may earn similar money.
5. Train driver
If you like driving, are able to concentrate over long periods of time and can react quickly and calmly under pressure, a job as a train driver might be for you.
Most employers ask applicants to be educated to GCSE level (including maths and English). If your application is successful, you will be invited to a training centre where you will be tested on your basic mechanical knowledge, reaction times and concentration skills. If you pass, you will then be invited to an interview. Once selected, you will then need to complete a medical and fitness check. Many work in the rail service in another position, for example as part of the station staff or maintenance crews, and then apply for a trainee driver post.
Average salary: Trainee drivers earn around £17,500, newly qualified drivers £30,000. The average salary for those with experience is £42,527. Most companies offer free or reduced travel as an added bonus.
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People imagine if you didn’t have a degree or don’t have a degree , what job would you go for and why?